Top 10 Greatest Cricketers of All Time

Cricket, often called the ‘gentleman’s game’, has given us many legends over the centuries who have taken the game to new heights with their talent, skill and determination. These players not only performed amazingly on the field but also inspired millions. Today we will take a look at the 10 greatest players in cricket history, who have left an indelible mark on the game with their unique ability.

1. Sir Don Bradman (Australia)

Don Bradman, often known as ‘The Don’, is considered the greatest batsman in cricket history. His incredible batting average of 99.94 in Test cricket remains a mystery even today. Bradman scored 6996 runs in 52 Test matches in his career. He also scored 19 centuries and 12 half-centuries. Bradman was primarily a batsman and did not take any wickets.

2. Sir Garry Sobers (West Indies)

Garry Sobers is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. He was a brilliant batsman, a skilled fast bowler and an excellent fielder. Sobers scored 8032 runs in 93 Test matches, which includes 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. In bowling, he also took 235 wickets.

3. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Sachin Tendulkar, also known as the ‘God of Cricket’, ruled international cricket for more than two decades. He has scored the most runs and centuries in both Test and ODI cricket. Tendulkar scored 15921 runs in 200 Test matches, including 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. In ODIs, he scored 18426 runs in 463 matches and scored 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. He also took 46 wickets in Tests and 154 wickets in ODIs.

4. Shane Warne (Australia)

Shane Warne is considered one of the greatest leg spin bowlers in cricket history. His spin bowling troubled batsmen around the world. Warne took 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. In batting, he also scored 3154 runs, which includes no centuries but 12 half-centuries.

5. Vivian Richards (West Indies)

Vivian Richards is considered one of the most dangerous batsmen in cricket history. His aggressive batting style created fear in the hearts of bowlers. Richards scored 8540 runs in 121 Test matches, including 24 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He also took 32 wickets in bowling. In ODIs, he scored 6721 runs in 187 matches and scored 11 centuries and 45 half-centuries, as well as took 118 wickets.

6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He consistently excelled in both batting and bowling. Kallis scored 13289 runs in 166 Test matches, including 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries. He also took 292 wickets. In ODIs, he scored 11579 runs in 328 matches and scored 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries, as well as took 273 wickets.

This list is of course subjective and many other greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath and Kapil Dev can also be included in this discussion. However, these 10 players have made a special place in the history of the game with their unique skills, performances and their impact on cricket. Their achievements are a source of inspiration for young cricketers even today and cricket lovers will always remember them.

7. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)

Muttiah Muralitharan is considered one of the most successful bowlers in cricket history. He holds the unique record of taking 800 wickets in Test cricket. Muralitharan took 800 wickets in 133 Test matches. In batting he scored 1261 runs, which includes no centuries but one half-century. In ODIs he took 534 wickets in 350 matches and scored 674 runs.

8. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting is considered one of the most successful captains of Australia. Under his captaincy Australia won two World Cup titles. Ponting was also a brilliant batsman who scored many centuries in both Test and ODI cricket. He scored 13378 runs in 168 Test matches, which includes 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries. In ODIs he scored 13704 runs in 375 matches and scored 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries. He took 5 wickets in Tests and 0 in ODIs.

9. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Wasim Akram is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His swing bowling and dangerous yorkers troubled batsmen around the world. Akram took 414 wickets in 104 Test matches and scored 2898 runs, including 3 centuries and 10 half-centuries. In ODIs, he took 502 wickets in 356 matches and scored 3717 runs.

10. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket. He has performed brilliantly in all three formats and has made many records to his name. Kohli has so far scored 9230 runs in 123 Test matches, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. In ODIs, he has scored 14181 runs in 302 matches, including 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries. In T20 Internationals, he has scored 4188 runs in 125 matches, including 1 century and 38 half-centuries. Kohli has not taken any wicket in Tests, but has taken 5 wickets in ODIs and 4 in T20 Internationals. 

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